Western intellectuals, media deliberately "blind" about 'Deep state' involvement in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka ::: They say Revolutions without revolutionaries !!

 The vested interests will work overtime. They love to call something called "revolutions without revolutionaries".

It's deliberate. But of course -- we must say the phrase is partly correct.

These are seemingly - Revolutionaries. But essentially - a case of foreign/western interference. 

That's a pattern certainly. 

Prior to targeting South Asia - the Deep State or other players in the west targeted the Arab world. This was way back in 2011. The blame was on internet and social media power. They called it 'Arab Spring'. The name was given by western media and intellectuals only.

And they did these naming and shaming business rather very fast. 

In Egypt, mass mobilisation removed the former President Hosni Mubarak.

The military "retained" its hold. Then what turned out in Egypt was later called counterrevolution. It was also stated that these came faster than the 'reform' as the west had defined. 

In 2020, after a decade; it was described quite eloquently. 

"An era of uprisings, nascent democracy and civil war in the Arab world started with protests in a small Tunisian city. The unrest grew to engulf the Middle East, shake authoritarian governments and unleash consequences that still shape the world a decade later".  (The Guardian, London)

Just to sample here -

A fruit seller Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire on Dec 17, 2010. His protest was he was 'slapped' by a police officer. This was given as the trigger. By the end one month, half of Tunisia had erupted in protest.  

In the 18 days between Bouazizi’s self-immolation on December 17th 2010 and his death on 4 January, the most dramatic social unrest in Tunisia in decades unfolded, bringing the government of dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to its knees and ultimately forcing him to cede power 10 days after the fruit seller died. 

The tragic episode/drama was that the lonely death of a distressed vendor had become the symbol of a collective rage that defined an era.

** 

In Sri Lanka in early 2022, in response to a severe economic crisis, massive protests resulted in the ouster of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other members of the powerful Rajapaksa political dynasty. 

He was succeeded by Ranil Wickremesinghe, another member of the discredited political elite, who held office for the next two years. 

In late 2024, new elections brought to power a leader and political party that had been long opposed to the country’s traditional political and economic elites. 

Of course, it is also stated that Sri Lanka’s political transition is notable both because it is a rare democratic success story in an era marked by democratic backsliding around the world.

Anti-government protesters in Sri Lanka - 2022 

Then there was Bangladesh in July-August 2024 and in September - the so-called Gen Z protest was kicked off in Nepal. 

For the ouster of India-friendly Sheikh Hasina; they call it "student victories". But it has been lucidly described by pro-west intellectuals that the developments in Bangladesh "collided with security and bureaucratic power".

Jargon difficult to stomach easily has been pushed --  insurgent coalitions could institutionalise without absorption.

Before you understand the 'deeper' machinations; .... 

we are already in Kathmandu. Here it was Gen Z's "digital rights protest" that reportedly sparked bigger troubles exposing a 

"deeper patronage bargains that invited  law and order responses".

An article in Dhaka's 'Daily Star' also says - 

"The lesson is comparative: when movements cannot embed broad coalitions inside coercive and fiscal institutions, elite recomposition proceeds under the banner of responsibility." 

It was also stated: 

"A striking commonality across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal is how much they resemble what Asef Bayat terms "revolutions without revolutionaries": eruptions sparked by ordinary people, precipitated by structural shocks such as debt distress, price spirals and abrupt restrictions on digital life, and coordinated through diffuse networks rather than disciplined organisations." - author -- 

Niladri Chatterjee is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Cultural Sciences at Linnaeus University, Sweden.

Nepal protest

The outrage in Nepal was rooted in social and economic problems that had been growing for years, with jobs the central issue. 

A 'majority of Nepalis' work without officially reported jobs, mostly in farming. 

And unemployment is heavily concentrated among younger adults.

                                                           

Kathmandu - tension and security 

There was a growing curiosity about whether Nepal protest was complete an in-house story within the Himalayan nation ... or there was a greater conspiracy and not limited to local actors within Nepal. There are multiple theories and arguments in circulation.  

Historically, Nepal has had a larger number of communist sympathizers. China’s growing ‘Look West Policy’ had naturally grown Beijing's influence in Nepal. Another refrain has been Sushila Karki’s appointment itself was established by negotiation led by Sudan Gurung, who runs an NGO, Hami Nepal.

The NGO's website includes ‘Students For Free Tibet’ as one of the brands that support Hami Nepal.  

On Reddit and Twitter, conspiracy theories swirled about CIA hands and 'colour revolutions'. Some spoke about Beijing's influence. But the outgoing PM Oli was pro-China. Nepal's Gen Z toppled a government. 

Exactly the same thing had happened in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; and a semi-revolution drama was seen even in Pakistan.

What remains unclear is whether these were purely organic eruption. 

Some people can say from Cairo to Tunis to Khartoum --- one thing was certain the youth can indeed move mountains. 

But what is the change all about ? Durable change can come when those same coalitions learn to move ministries, budget lines and chains of command, as goes the deep meaning statement in Dhaka's 'Daily Star' article.

In India; almost on similar pattern and highly emotive issues - students' protest were tried in Delhi over CAA and in Manipur over reservation. The twist of religion divide was classic as months after May 2023 carnage - the basic issue in Manipur is ethnic clashes and 'historical differencs' between Kuki-Zo people and Meiteis. 

There was a farmers' protest. And linking to teachers' job; there was a protest even in Tripura in January 2021. 

New Delhi has so far managed things well. Such a simplistic conclusion is deliberate.  

ends  

"Lessons from Patna pilgrimage" :::: Bihar visit by my 'favourite' chief minister Neiphiu Rio :::: He should have taken tips from Nitish Kumar on how to implement Total Liquor Prohibition law

Nov 20, 2025; Bihar made history.

The state has Backward Class/Castes, Other Backward Castes and also Extreme Backward Castes.

Several chief ministers joined PM Narendra Modi to attend the grand ceremony at Gandhi Maidan. So did one of my 'extreme' favourite chief ministers.

No prize/room for guessing. Yes; that's Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio. 

After the swearing in ceremony, Rio tweeted: "Had the honour of attending the swearing-in ceremony of Shri Nitish Kumar Ji as the CM of Bihar. 

Congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure. I also extend my gratitude to the Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, whose leadership continues to drive progress for all."

(A galaxy of opposition leaders are irked by Modi's track record.) 

Well; the subject matter is not Narendra Modi.

It is also not my tales of friendship between a powerless blogger and a powerful regionalist doyen Mr Rio.  The issue is more grounded. Let us take a closer look at the issues those gave such a landslide mandate to BJP and JD-U.

The strike rate of the Lotus party was sensational ---  89 seats out of 101 it contested.  Come back to Nagaland - the fiefdom of the NPF.

In earlier avatar; the party was called NDPP. It was still under a towering leader called Neiphiu Rio. In 2018 - BJP's strike rate in Nagaland was 12 seats out of 20 it contested. That is 60 percent.

The Lotus party - thanks to machinations of Himanta Biswa Sarma and 'friend' Rio - again contested 20 seats in 2023. The saffron outfit picked up again 12 seats. In 2023; NDPP contested 40 - won 25 and in 2018 it was worse - the party could win only 18. That was only 45 percent strike rate.

It was Shurhozelie's mishandling and T R Zeliang's sheer arrogance that the BJP aligned with NDPP and formed the government in 2018. Rio's career was revamped and rebuilt. 

Deliberately we did not talk about Ram Madhav's friendship here.

Among the issues that dominated poll scene in Bihar -- one issue that is not being spoken much -- is the Total Liquor Prohibition. 

  

It may be still 'wrong' or erroneous to suggest that high women participation in the voting is only due to Rs 10,000 cash flow.  The Liquor Prohibition Act is generally considered a success story in Bihar.

I hope Rio will again make a visit to Patna and take 'ideas' from Nitish Kumar on how to make Total Liquor Prohibition a grand success in Nagaland. As far as Nagaland goes; the law was enacted by the S C Jamir-led Congress government under utter pressure from the influential Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).

We had covered the prohibition demand movement quite elaborately and often argued with the NBCC leaders including the then general secretary, NBCC; Pongsing Konyak. One issue of argument was also based on 'innocent' queries from Late Yanger Thakkar, the then Press Trust of India (PTI) bureau man in Kohima -- "What will I drink if there is prohibition ?".

There were many other compatriots of Yanger. Late P P Rai and Late Lelie Legisie. Some others too -- a few survived that era. I was genuinely a Bengali middle-class boy who only took Pork Momo and Lotha pork curry rice.  

My experiment with alcoholism started much later in 2009 - incidentally after my father-in-law expired.

Well again; the issue is more serious.

We may believe Prohibition is a bad idea - a backdated one and bound to fail. I have written enough pieces on the subject related to Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat.

Bootlegging follows wherever there is Prohibition. But it is also a fact that in Nitish Kumar's Bihar -- the law against Liquor consumption has been implemented to the best of ability perhaps. 

The women voters in the state irrespective of castes and even religions in general have welcomed  the Prohibition law in Bihar. 

Domestic violence and incidents of hooliganism against women on the pretext of alcohol influence has nosedived in Bihar.

Hence they made a beeline on the voting day to exercise their franchise and reward Sushan babu - Nitish Kumar. 

That's an opportunity; the Nagaland chief minister had. 

That's positive part in the Patna trip for Rio. 

Even in 2025; church leaders want Prohibition to succeed. 

Next is humour and symbolism. That's  how perhaps PM Modi and the BJP most often handle things.

That he was sitting next to Yogi Adityanath, UP's strongman in saffron attire, is quite a significant symbolism.

Probably Rio's seniority as the chief minister is counted. Rio is one of the senior most chief ministers in the country today. His innings started in 2003. Yogi himself became chief minister only in 2017. Others including Rio's counterparts from Maharashtra and Assam too are much 'junior'. 

Now from my side -- Rio will be knowing it pretty well that once upon a time Bihar was 'jungle raj'.

Khushi- Khusi style .... !!

Here lies a problem area.

Neiphiu Rio's governance in Nagaland does not symbolise Nitish Kumar's or Yogi Adityanath's 'su-sashan (Good governance) definition. 

This is also my area of deep concern as his 'sincere friend/dost' but a bitter critic at the same time.

Personally, whenever I criticise Rio on political issues and for not 'delivering' the Solution - I also grow nervous. 

But the prospect of my solidarity with the pro-Solution issues and Naga people is also undercut by competition -- what will others say. 

Patna's swearing in had another critical message. Rio should not miss that.

Lalu's "jungle raj" is not forgotten. His son could not be rewarded just in the name of a Yadav prince. Hence RJD was punished.

This is what I keep saying, sir .... Legacy. Why is Mr Rio ignoring this simple word?

 

If anyone could show the political class and a nation "betrayed" by the Lalu-Rabri Yadav duo on how to defeat non-performance -- it is the Patna city and the Bihar mandate of 2025.

The word 'Bihari' may sound funny. But the voters in Bihar have shown -- they are politically more sensible and serious. 

Legacy will haunt Rio, the NPF, the Cock symbol and the people of Northern Angami and also the electorate of Nagaland for a long time.

ends 

TDP and JD-U now endorse 'language of Hindutva' :::: Congress has 90 general secretaries in Kerala ::: 5,000 ABVP activists and 100 volunteers from multiple Sangh outfits were deployed in Bihar elections ::: All for 'Hindu Rashtra' ... Modi's grip is firm and Sickular gang left leaking wounds !!

The endorsement of Narendra Modi also means regional parties such as JD-U, RDP of N Chandrababu Naidu and LJP (Ram Vilas) ... will gradually adjust and adapt to the language of Hindutva. 

Late Rajiv Gandhi had given a slogan - 'Elections are won; elections are lost". 

His son Rahul had taken the second part serious and it is estimated now he has lost about 90 elections. 

In Congress, No introspection has started yet. Yet, the focus is elsewhere -- who all should make it to the Rajya Sabha.  

There is yet another feature of a 'Kerala Model' of Congress politics. It has 90 general secretaries in the state unit. There would be about 100 vice presidents. In districts and blocks - there may not be many workers.  

Footsoldiers matter when you want to win election. In a party of sycophants ... it is definitely something else.

Now check out the 'BJP Model'. It's not Vote-chori. It is a team work and hard work.

An estimated 5,000 activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS’s student wing, were divided into groups/ sub groups and 'tolis' of five-eight each to work silently round the clock in Bihar perhaps little before peak campaigning.

So; the RSS and importantly Mohan Bhagwat's blessings were there behind the scenes in Bihar to retain the state for NDA.

In more ways than one Seemanchal was crucial and looking back one can say the Bihar polls will now have a significant impact on national polity. How ?

As goes a very old saying; there are many ways to skin a cat.

Look at this. 

The RSS and the BJP will often talk about pluralism in states where this is a critical element. Like Assam was a fantastic example of that in 2016 when the Congress was still it power. They would also throw up debates about co existence of various social forces within the larger Hindutva fold. 

The BJP leaders would debate 'state-level issues' like joblessness and infra developments in such a manner that the central leadership and BJP leaders in respective states are seen as benefactors. 

The Centre-state disputes would be left to district/local or state-level players and the narrative of Development -- Double Engine etc - is used to replace the irritants between the Centre and the state or even for matters which could be projected as step motherly treatment of the centre. 

"For Bihar, this moment marks a final rupture from the moment of 1990 — from the political project of social justice to fragmented caste identities and portents of majoritarian assertions. Beyond Bihar, it means a major advance in the BJP’s dominance. 

It also means a more steely grip of Narendra Modi over his party and the country," says analyst Suhas Palshikar. 

Suhas Palshikar is also a great worshipper of Sickular politics which draws its strength from the strengths of hate towards Hindutva and against Narendra Modi. 

So when he lanmends: "The past decade has shown that the dominance of the BJP and Modi was characterised by two essentials — complete control of the governmental machinery and a push towards a de facto Hindu Rashtra." 

He is almost a case of Sickular surrender.  

Even for core political decisions, in contrast, the Congress is clueless about stemming the further expansion of the Moditva brand of polity. The grand old party remains a ivory tower creature. The party leaders feel insulted and ignored whenever someone is given a responsibility in rural areas. 

Even a basic political work like selection of candidates is either outsourced or is decided by sycophancy.

Since 2014, polls are polls it selected wrong issues which voters could not find the right connect. 'Chowkidar chorhae' and Vote-Chori' have two consistency points -- Rahul Gandhi loves the word Chor/chori and the electorate keep such things at bay.

Now let us discuss about Kerala. The Congress could not win the state polls in 2021 and thus the CPI-M led LDF got the chance to continue in office. This southern state normally threw up all governments every five years. The 2021 was one big story of Rahul's failure.  

In 2026; hence the Congress has to win the polls in Kerala. But Marxist friends are lucky as the Kerala unit of Congress has many claimants for chief ministership. Shashi Tharoor is now a story done and dusted. Rahul's man will be K C Venugopal.

In national and high-command level; many Congress people are praying so that Venugopal goes to Kerala as the chief minister and the party gets a new and more India-knowing general secretary in-charge of organisation.  

As an organisation. the party has about 100 vice presidents and 90 general secretaries. In other words, everyone is 'state level' leader capable of becoming MP and Ministers in the state. In the process; the boothworkers have done a vanishing act. 

So if no one complains about Vote chori by BJP at the booth level; you cannot blame Rahul Gandhi. 

Again in Bihar; the Sangh and NDA insiders say results show that voters, including Muslims, decided to “get associated with politics of development” on the back of a campaign message centred on “sushasan” and “vikas”.

See what meticulous planning and hard work results in -- 

** BJP’s vote share increased from 42.56% in 2020 to 48.44% 

** The Janata Dal (United) vote share increased from 33 per cent to 46.2% 

** LJP(RV) votes jumped from 10.26% to 43.18%, 

** Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) climbing from 32.28% to 48.39%, 

** RLM to 41.09% up from 4.41%.

Strategically what was also vital was that the BJP applied methodologies under which three issues dominated voters' minds. 

-- Nationalism 

- Interests of the Hindu community and pro-Hindutva line

- and Performance of candidates and good faces. 

The RJD and the Congress fell much weaker contenders on all these fronts.   

While some volunteers were permanently based in Bihar, others, such as those from the ABVP and studying at academic institutions across the country, participated in the outreach during whatever time they could spare, especially during the 10 to 15-day period preceding the first phase of polling.

Sangh organisations did not encourage much debate on castes. 

Seemanchal - Fine planning: 

When it came to constituencies with discernible changes in demography over the recent past, the Sangh relied on its support base built over decades. 

In the Seemanchal region, -- the Sangh has actually built its presence in the last 10 to 15 years through social service and volunteer work.

This helped in consolidating the 'Hindu votes' over and above caste lines in as many as 28 to 32 seats. 

32 seats with large Muslim populations

If the number of votes polled in favour of NDA candidates has increased, leading to increments in vote share for parties on the whole, it means that voters from across caste and community divides have preferred NDA.

This meant approval of Nitish Kumar's image and also for Sushasan and vikas -- Good Governance and Development.

The BJP Minority Morcha also targeted door-to-door outreach.

ends 

Guest Column : by Rohit Tawade :::: "When God has a plan ... and the right people walk into your life " === first hand account of "An Ironman 70.3" participant

From Fear of Water to Ironman 70.3 : My Journey of Faith, Grit & Blessings   

If someone had told me a year ago that I would complete Ironman 70.3 Goa, I would have laughed. Not because I didn’t believe in endurance sports—but because I couldn’t swim. I had zero experience in open waters, no exposure to the sea, and absolutely no comfort being in deep water, 

writes Rohit Tawade.

(Here shares his unique experience ... 

An Ironman 70.3 is a long-distance triathlon that consists of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run, totaling 70.3 miles. These races are organized by the World Triathlon Corporation and are also known as "Half Ironman" races. 

The challenge is to complete all three disciplines in succession. ) 

"My brother is a software engineer based in Pune. Has worked with software majors like Capegemini, Tech Mahindra, Ernst & Young. 

Due to his love for sports, especially athletics, he spares time for practice in the midst of busy schedule and participates in Masters Athletics," his brother Rahul Tawade said.

RAHUL TAWADE  -- an ex PTI colleague is a journalist-turned-lawyer now practicing in Mumbai - blogger Nirendra Dev ****

***** 

****

Rohit writes :

In fact, just a year back, while boating with my wife at Pavna Lake, I had casually said, “Swimming in open water is crazy… I can never do that.” Even imagining it scared me.

Little did I know that God had different plans for me.

Struggle Before the Real Journey Began

Almost 2 years back, I had already spent three months trying to learn swimming under a different coach. And after all that time, all I could manage was just… moving my legs.

No technique. No confidence. No progress.

That was the biggest set back and felt i could never swim. Looking back, it felt like God was simply preparing me — not through success, but through struggle — so I’d value the right guidance when it came.

And then, I met Pratik Sir. That was the turning point. I still remember walking up to him for the first time and saying, “Sir, just get me out of the water in one hour… do whatever you can.”

I’m sure he must have thought I was crazy — someone who didn’t even know how to use a swimming cap or goggles properly, yet talking about an Ironman swim!

But he didn’t laugh. He didn’t judge.

He simply said, “We will work on it.”

And that reassurance changed everything.

Rohit's blog link

The Registration I Tried to Avoid — Thanks to Dhananjay

Meanwhile, my friend Dhananjay, who had already registered for Ironman, kept pushing me. I gave every excuse possible:

“No time.”

“I’ll drown.”

“I can’t swim.”

“I’ll do it next year.”

But Dhananjay is strong-headed. Once he decides something, he makes sure it happens. He was fully confident that even I could finish an Ironman.

“Just register,” he said. “You can do it.” Sometimes, one person’s belief becomes bigger than your excuses.

And that belief came from him. With hesitation, zero confidence, and a million doubts, I finally registered.

Tri Camp in Goa — My First Exposure to the Sea

With just one month left, I attended a Tri Camp in Goa.For the first time, I stepped into the sea. The waves, the pull, the saltwater, the fear — everything hit me at once. But the highlight of the camp was the people. I met incredible athletes, each with powerful stories of grit, failures, goals, and comebacks.

Listening to them gave me hope.

I realised everyone was battling their own fears. I returned from the camp with new learnings, courage, and calmness. It strengthened me for the final month 

Three Months. One Goal.

Most people train 6–12 months for a 70.3. I had just three months. Three months to learn swimming (again). Three months to build endurance.

Three months to mentally prepare for the sea.

Every training day was a test.

But slowly, fear turned into trust — trust in my coaches, trust in the process, and trust in myself. Race Day — A Day Where Anything Could Have Happened Standing at Miramar Beach on race morning, staring at the huge waves, one thought hit me:

“Last year I said open water was crazy… and today I’m about to swim 1.9 km in the Arabian Sea.”

Anything could have gone wrong — fatigue, panic, currents. But when hard work, luck, and God’s blessings come together, everything falls into place. The swim went smoother than expected. The bike was steady. The run pushed me but filled me with purpose.

I genuinely felt like God’s grace and the wishes of my loved ones were carrying me through every kilometre.

Crossing that finish line was not just completing a race. It was defeating a fear that once controlled me.

It was turning doubt into discipline. It was proving to myself that beginnings don’t matter — belief does.

Ironman doesn’t just build athletes — it builds character.

Reflections

God’s plans are bigger than our fears. A strong-headed friend like Dhananjay can change your destiny with one push.

Meeting Pratik Sir was a blessing — the coach who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

Coaches Omkar Sir, Vardhan Sir, and Shalmali Ma’am helped shape me stroke by stroke, step by step.

The Tri Camp reminded me that every athlete carries a story worth hearing. Faith, effort, and blessings can turn impossible dreams into reality.

The Journey Ahead

From struggling to move my legs in a pool… to not knowing how to wear a cap or goggles…to giving excuses and avoiding registration…to facing the sea for the first time at Tri Camp…

.... to swimming 1.9 km in the Arabian Sea… to crossing the Ironman 70.3 finish line — this journey has transformed me.

And today, I truly believe:

When God has a plan, when the right people walk into your life, and when you dare to try, even your biggest fears can become your greatest victories.

Journalists are not peace activists :::: But we do cross the Lakshman Rekha :::: Siddique Kappan was among 11 booked for organising unlawful assembly in Marxists-ruled Kerala

 Journalists are not peace activists -- is like saying Smoking is injurious to health and also like saying -Honesty is the best policy.

Often in practical lives -- we find 'smoking' is pleasure and stress-buster. In our days in West Bengal and in northeastern states --- smoking was first sign of rebellion. First signs of growing beard.

It was like saying - "so what if we smoke". In later years. we discovered Dishonesty too is a good policy and perhaps often the best.

Blogger and 'one' gem, mentor and a 'value-based' journalist  R C Rajamani 

Siddique Kappan is also a journalist.

In September 2025, he was among the 11 booked for organising unlawful assembly against the arrest of Maoist sympathiser Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek in a UAPA case. This happened in Kerala and not Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh.

The accused had reportedly gathered at Ernakulum Vanchi Square, close to the High Court Junction, to organise a 'Comrade Rejaz Solidarity Gathering' condemning the arrest of Maoist sympathiser Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek.  

Rejaz faced  charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for condemning Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. They reportedly obtained permission from the Kochi Corporation to hold the event, but did not secure mandatory police approval for the use of loudspeakers. 

Well, in 2022 and 2023. It was altogether a different chapter. 

In 2023 February after his 'release'; one western media outlet lovingly reported - 

"Indian journalist Siddique Kappan has been released from prison more than two years after his arrest while travelling to report on an alleged rape".

Yes; you have guessed it tight. It was the card called 'victimhood'.

Kappan also played up his voice power and remarked - "I will also continue to do journalism. I will not sit idle". 

Take a pause - we must admit even the law enforcing agencies do their job and cannot afford to "sit idle".

Now take Delhi explosion of Nov 10th - the immediate reaction from Sickular gang and the ecosystem - what was Amit Shah doing. 

After a few days - one newspaper office was raided in Jammu and the press freedom was again threatened.  

So where do we go from here ?   

Kappan and his companions were alleged to be members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), a Kerala-based radical Muslim group that was banned in 2022 for links with terror groups.  

In February 2021, the Enforcement Directorate while investigating "financial crimes" anglehad filed a case against Kappan under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency said Kappan received money from PFI to "incite riots".

Of course, he and his lawyers have always denied such charges. 

In 2022, it was also alleged that the chargesheet against Kappan showed a prima facie case under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, UAPA and Information Technology Act. 

The UP government "revealed" that Kappan maintained a deep nexus with PFI and its chapters Campus Front of India (CFI), and its top leadership, in particular P Koya, ex-SIMI member, PFI executive member, and editor-in-chief of Thejas.

 So, while we debate and discuss 'press freedom'; we need to check into these episodes of the past too.

The emergence of 'white collared' terrorism is a dangerous trend. Interestingly, not many western media outlets are yet ready to highlight or take a closer look at that angle.

One argument is very simple - such a thing will not suit anto-Hindutva and anti-Modi narratives. 

But the Govt of India must not give into usual pressures - "Lok kya kahenge (what will people say)".

Let the investigation be over is the best option. Nine years back in 2016; 'Th Guardian' in London published an article and it ran:  

"How can we preserve freedom of expression when societies are under attack from terrorism? 

Following the ISIS attacks, heightened security in European capitals has made it more difficult to preserve our hard-won rights and freedoms.

While we want to be safe, we also want to retain our rights to personal privacy and to free expression. If we sacrifice those rights within our liberal democracies then the terrorists will have secured a victory of sorts. Indeed, the likelihood is that a more authoritarian society will engender increased recruitment to terrorist groups. So what can be done?"

** Most of these points if not all .. apply to today's India of 2025 especially after Nov 10 explosion in Delhi. 

More serious allegations surfaced against Kappan. In 2025, arms have been recovered from the newspaper office in Jammu -which is supposed to be closed for last four years. 

But, the bigger debate is the need to analyse various reasons for the emergence ofWhite Collared people and also professionals such as trained doctors and that too women and their involvement in terrorism.

"Some issues are simple .... an educated guy once indoctrinated is quite difficult to reason and he/she won't back out easily," says a retired military officer.   

My concern is also is to ensure that we journalists should be able to carry out our role with the greatest possible freedom so that the media can continue to inform the public.

But when it comes to 'national security' and global peace - the best option is to trust the official probe agencies and the judicial system. 

ends 

One feels like watching 'two worlds' fold into one frame ? ::::: Students from Churachandpur in Manipur step into Rashtrapati Bhavan and meeting President Murmu

A country lives in people's hearts and also a bit in hand holding and this is what has happened in this case. 

A group of students from Churachandpur, Manipur, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, said an official tweet from the President of India,

The group visited Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the National Integration Tour (NIT) on Nov 19.  

They young students must have heard where there's a will there's a way; but in this case Indian army and Assam Rifles had the will, they did everything .. the spade work and the Churachandpur's Gen Z got a taste of a united India and the significance of such unity journey.

In the past too such NITs have been undertaken by authorities in the security forces in north east including Assam Rifles for students, elderly persons and exclusively for women from states such as Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Such a team from Nagaland from far-flung Noklak region bordering Myanmar had visited Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra.

On the latest NIT; the students from Churachandpur visiting North India and also getting the unique distinction of meeting the President of India; one enthusiastic internet admirer wrote on X :

"Moments like this feel underrated. A hall full of history, a President who carries her own journey with grace, and a group of students who probably never imagined they’d be standing here soaking it all in. 

There’s a quiet power in giving the next generation space to feel included." 

He goes onto say further - "No noise, no drama. Just a country trying, in its own imperfect way, to connect its farthest edges to its heart." 

Honestly, as they say -- the effort is all that matters more than we admit. 

Take a pause and wait for the next posting. It is equally admirable -- something 'unmissable' as the new generation would sum up.  

"Honestly, this is the kind of snapshot that reminds you India is wild in the best way. Such crazy diversity, but when these kids stand next to the President, the whole thing feels strangely simple. Just humans trying to understand each other ...". 

Well, one may still argue mildly -- "Integration isn’t some giant policy. It’s literally giving young people access, exposure, and the confidence that their place in the nation isn’t up for debate".  

I was in Nagaland's capital Kohima in February 2024.

One such IT team had returned from visiting 'mainstream India' -- as someone in the group had said. 

The then GoC Nagaland, Maj Gen Vikas Lakhera had said - 

 "A Journey can start anytime in life".

How true.

Lt. Gen Vikas Lakhera is now DG Assam Rifles. And I believe he and his team in Shillong or Nagaland or in remote Churachandpur in Manipur -- must be still believing in every words about such a statement.

 

This statement speaks about Time space much better than anything else. 

Churachandpur makes news often for wrong reasons. The state of Manipur has been in conflicts too as goes a few 'wrong' perceptions here and there. 

Otherwise, the state is better known for upholding communal harmony and taking giant strides in development.

But when it comes to Time -- there's no distinction between President of India Madam Murmu and a young student from Churachandpur or an army officer ... 

-- They all have one thing in common -- 24 hours in a day, 730 hours in a month and 8760 hours in a year. 

Did someone remark in between -- Seeing students from Manipur step into Rashtrapati Bhavan feels like watching two worlds fold into one frame ?

ends